Hugh Jackman Passes On Returning As Oscar Host

Friday

30Oct2009

Hugh Jackman Passes On Returning As Oscar Host

Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:49AM

We talked about the speculation a couple of weeks ago that Hugh Jackman would return to host the Oscars next year. It won't happen. MSNBC reports that Glenn Beck hates America...oh wait, sorry, that's a different story. MSNBC and Entertainment Weekly report that Jackman has turned down the offer, but left the door open for future hosting duties at the Academy Awards.

After the first Jackman rumor, which accompanied the news that last year's producers would be out of the picture, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hired Hairspray director Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic to oversee the telecast. The new article has a few dubious suggestions about Oscar hosts, all tied to Shankman's movies (Travolta, J-Lo).

One name that does stand out is former host Steve Martin. He's solid at the job but unspectacular. Although, I do have to question the veracity of the statement "Shankman loves surprising people, so I doubt he’ll go for the obvious."

I wouldn't say Queen Latifah is out of the equation right now, if indeed Shankman goes with a star he knows well. He's directed her before and she's hosted some award shows. Not my first choice, but I wouldn't completely discount it, either.

I still like Ben Stiller for this gig, though, based on his performance as a presenter in years past. We know he's up for anything and we know he's comfortable (and popular) with the crowd in the room that night. It's not about getting the coolest guy around or necessarily the funniest guy around to lead the show. He or she has to know the ins and outs of managing an event like this, can be entertaining in short spurts, and has to have name recognition.

Stiller has been the star of a bunch of $100 million-plus comedies over the past five years, he's a writer and director as well, and he can be entertaining, primarily only in short spurts.

Colin Boyd |

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3 Comments |

Reader Comments (3)

I say ehh to Steve Martin, he's solid but we've seen him before too many times...

Queen Latifah wouldnt be half bad, we've seen her as well and I really like her and she is talented she would do well in my opinion...

Ben Stiller does look good for the job he'd do fine I say..

But none of these potentials really rock my boat, I do wish Jackman could have done it again, he was just brilliant last year, I mean the song and dance numbers aww it was amazing...

Friday, October 30, 2009 |

SEAN

Got a few idears...

How bout bringing back Whoopi, she's funny and has experience, and is still around in the entertainment world...

Neil Patrick Harris obviously is great but highly doubt they will pick him up...

How bout Dave Chapelle, I mean that would be some splash comeback dont ya think lol anyone agree....

oh and screw glenn beck lol
nice line there Colin, were seeing your comedic side...maybe you'd be a good choice!

Friday, October 30, 2009 |

SEAN

oooo or Robin Williams,, that would just awesome as well, LOVE Robin Williams

Friday, October 30, 2009 |

SEAN

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